Rev. Kevin Duff, Care Pastor at Island Lutheran Church in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, has faithfully served others and played a vital role in growing the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry alongside Zoara Comfort Dog. Now, he and his family need our help.

Pastor Kevin was recently diagnosed with three meningioma brain tumors—one of which was aggressive and life-threatening. After urgent surgery and radiation treatment, he is now on a long road to healing as doctors continue to monitor the remaining tumors.

To help with mounting medical bills and related expenses, Island Lutheran Church is hosting a benefit concert on Sunday, May 18. In addition, you can make an immediate impact with a donation to the Pastor Duff Support Fund.

Every gift goes directly to assist Pastor Kevin, his wife Holly, and the Duff family.

Please join us in showing the same compassion Pastor Kevin has shown so many—through your prayers and your generosity.

More info: https://www.islandlutheran.org/duff-benefit-concert/

The anxiety and stress of the last day and a half was still overwhelming.

An armed man making threats, firing guns indiscriminately, and barricading himself in a house in a quiet neighborhood had thrust part of Fredonia, Wisconsin, into a 38-hour lockdown on Friday and Saturday, including St. John Lutheran Church just down the street. 

Even though the incident was over by Sunday morning, lingering trauma remained.

Joining them was a two-person LCC Care team of Parish Nurse Deb Hammen of Beautiful Savior Mequon, Wisconsin, and Cassandra Mammen of St. Paul Grafton, Wisconsin, both trained in administering Spiritual First Aid™. Each met with congregants and community members, assessing their emotional, physical, and spiritual needs and encouraging them to ease into a more relaxed frame of mind.

One moment stood out.

Becky Kilvinger, Top Dog for Charity Comfort Dog, noticed a woman with her head in her hands, seemingly overcome by distress.

“While greeting people before the second worship service, I noticed a church member grab a box of tissues and watched as the Pastor handed them to a woman,” Kilvinger recalled. “I asked [Pastor Frisque] if I could go over and say hello with Charity, and he agreed. We sat beside her, offered a hug, and she gently petted Charity. Charity then laid down at her feet. The woman was visibly distraught—sobbing, trembling, her face buried in her hands. We stayed with her through the entire service. She either looked at the cross or at Charity.”

Midway through the service, the woman’s grief and anxiety overwhelmed her.

“It was as if she had reached a point where she felt just safe enough to let go,” Kilvinger said. “We asked Deb, the Parish Nurse, to help her, and Deb guided her through breathing exercises saying, ‘Deep breath in, deep breath out. Look at the cross. You are here; you are safe.’” 

After the service, Kilvinger and Hammen sat with her, offered her food, and helped her get home safely.
“Before we left, she showed us photos of her family,” Kilvinger shared. “Her son passed away in October, and her husband died earlier this year. Her other son lives across the country. She’s endured unimaginable loss, now compounded by the recent traumatic events.”

Please lift Fredonia, Wisconsin, and St. John Lutheran Church up in your prayers as the community seeks peace in the coming days.

Help Us Be There When Crisis Strikes
When tragedy hits, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams and LCC Care Teams respond with the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ. In Fredonia, Wisconsin, they sat beside the grieving, comforted the anxious, and reminded a hurting community they were not alone.

Your gift makes moments like these possible.

Help us continue to show up with hope, prayer, and comfort—right when it's needed most.

Give Today to Support the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry

For two weeks following the heartbreaking tragedy in Chatham, IL, on April 28, the Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams have been faithfully serving the grieving community. Last week, they continued their presence at Chatham Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School, and the YNOT Day Camp—bringing what one handler called “a quiet ministry of presence” to children, families, and staff aching with sorrow.

Many of the children they met are grieving the loss of four classmates and friends: Ainsley Johnson, Rylee Britton, Kathryn Corley, and Alma Buhnerkempe. Others are anxious for their injured friends still in the hospital. And all are trying to make sense of a day that forever changed their small town.

“We didn’t have answers,” said one handler, “but we had time. We brought calm. We sat with those grieving. We reminded them: you are not alone.” Another added, “When we hear of need, we respond. A smile, a tear, a hand on the shoulder. It’s always worth it.” Showing up for people, she said, “is always worth it.” At every stop, the ministry of presence spoke louder than any words could.

One Glenwood Elementary student even gave Michael Comfort Dog  a new name: “Michael Love.” In a moment of lightness amid heavy hearts, she saw in him what the ministry hopes everyone sees—pure, unconditional love.

Mrs. Melissa Reed, Instructional Coach at Glenwood Elementary School, shared her gratitude in a heartfelt note:

“Your K-9 Comfort Ministry has been an integral part of healing from our recent tragedy. What a wonderful ministry this is...reaching out to help people in a quiet way. It has been amazing to watch our students lay with your sweet dogs and just ‘be’ with them. Thank you for providing us this service!”

Handlers also met a 3rd grader named Rose at Chatham Elementary, who had lost her little sister in the tragedy. Comfort Dogs greeted Rose and her parents at the school doors, then stayed with her and her class for the morning—quietly offering comfort that words could not.

The dogs also spent time at YNOT Day Camp, a growing summer program that began with 20 children and now hosts around 135. The camp provides daily field trips and a sense of normalcy—something especially precious right now. Ainsley’s family, including her parents and sister, visited YNOT during the Comfort Dogs’ time there. They expressed heartfelt thanks for the care, compassion, and peace these visits brought.

We are grateful to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for their presence in Chatham:
Esther & Jordan (Holy Cross - Collinsville, Illinois), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Michael (LCC Staff),
Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, Missouri), Rachel (Immanuel - Charleston, Illinois), Tabby & Zion (St. Paul’s - Des Peres, Missouri),  and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Britta with Veteran Dale.

Help Us Be There When Hearts Are Hurting
In the wake of unimaginable tragedy, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were able to be present in Chatham, IL—offering calm, compassion, and the quiet reassurance of Christ’s love. From grieving children to heartbroken families, our Comfort Dogs and their handlers were a steady reminder that no one walks through sorrow alone.

Your support makes this ministry possible. Every mile traveled, every moment spent sitting beside a grieving child, and every hand reached in comfort is fueled by your generosity.

Help us continue to be there—wherever and whenever we’re needed.

Donate today to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Because presence matters. And healing begins with being there.

There are no words when a young life is lost.

Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry responded to a heartbreaking call from Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, Illinois. An 8th-grade girl—so close to graduating, so full of promise—will not walk across the stage this spring. Her sister, her family, her friends, and her school community are now left to carry the weight of her absence.

In moments like this, when words fail and grief overwhelms, presence becomes everything. Simply sitting with someone in their pain—without trying to fix it or explain it—can bring a small measure of peace to hearts shattered by loss.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jeremiah (LCC Staff), Shadrach (Prince of Peace - Palatine, Illinois), Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus and Nigel (LCC Staff), along with their devoted handlers, became that gentle, steady presence. They offered open hearts, listening ears, and a quiet space where students and staff could find a moment of calm amid the storm of their sorrow.

Before stepping through the school doors, the handlers paused to pray—seeking God’s guidance, His strength, and His comfort. With each step, they carried not only the presence of their dogs but the compassionate love of Christ, offering it freely to those in pain.

Our hearts ache with a mother who is not celebrating but grieving the irreplaceable loss of her daughter on Mother’s Day.

A Prayer for the Grieving
Dear Lord,
We lift up the broken hearts of those who grieve for their child. Be their refuge, their strength, and their peace. Fill the silence with your presence, and the darkness with your light. Give them courage to face each day, and may the memories of their beloved child bring comfort in time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Healing Hearts in a Time of Tragedy
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, continues to make a profound impact by sharing God’s love and comfort with those facing heartbreak and grief. Recently, the team, including Comfort Dogs Devorah and Zacchaeus, visited North Valley Middle School, located just 30 minutes from the church, after the school community suffered the loss of a beloved 7th-grade teacher in a tragic car accident.

The comfort dogs spent the day with students, staff, and teachers, offering solace in the wake of an unimaginable loss. In the school’s cafeteria, they engaged with students in grades 6-8, creating small moments of peace amidst the sadness. Teachers shared heartwarming stories of the teacher, Ms. Schwarz, while the students, deeply affected by the loss, found comfort in the presence of the dogs.

Reflecting on this moving experience, the team offered words of hope drawn from Ephesians 3:18, reminding the grieving community of the immeasurable love of God: “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”

Gratitude and Community Impact
The impact of the Comfort Dogs was felt deeply, not just by the students but by the entire North Valley Middle School staff. In a heartfelt letter to the ministry, Chief of Police Kenny Fernandez expressed his gratitude for the team’s presence during such a difficult time. His words underscored the profound healing power of simply being there for people when they are at their most vulnerable.

“Your team being there for our people in a time of shocking, unimaginable grief is a debt we can never repay,” wrote Fernandez. “Words cannot express what the act of just being there meant.” The school’s staff, too, echoed similar sentiments, as they were moved by the genuine care and comfort provided by the Comfort Dog team.

The Redeemer Lutheran LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team’s efforts extend beyond middle schools to the broader community, including Colorado State University (CSU). Devorah and Zacchaeus make regular visits to the CSU Police Department, the 911 call center, and veterinary students. They are also part of the bi-monthly “Comfort Dogs with Cops” event, where hundreds of CSU students interact with the dogs and their handlers.

In recognition of their ongoing efforts to foster community and offer support, the team was honored with the Colorado State University Police Department’s Community Partnership Award for 2024-2025. This award was presented during a special celebration banquet on campus, where the Comfort Dogs and their handlers were recognized for their dedication to serving the campus community. You can read more about the event on Facebook.

Devorah and Zacchaeus have also been called upon for emergency site visits, bringing comfort to students, faculty, and first responders during times of crisis. Their ability to provide a sense of calm during high-stress situations has been invaluable, and their regular presence on campus continues to strengthen the bond between the university and the Redeemer Lutheran K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

“What happens when that horrible tragedy happens unexpectedly in your community? That’s what happened for us,” Barbara Wendorf, member at St. John's Lutheran Church in Chatham, IL shared solemnly. “By afternoon, four beloved members of our community were gone. We needed a team of people to help us”

On April 28, tragedy struck the close-knit town of Chatham, Illinois, when a vehicle crashed into the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School camp. The devastation was immediate and heartbreaking: four young girls lost their lives, and six others were left injured. The incident shook not only the families directly affected but also the broader Chatham community—children, educators, first responders, and local organizations alike.

In the wake of this unimaginable event, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) quickly mobilized its K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams, answering the call to bring presence, peace, and the comfort of Christ to a grieving town.

The short video highlighting LCC’s presence in Chatham offers a glimpse into the quiet yet powerful work of Comfort Dogs at schools, vigils, and with first responders. Watch as children gently embrace the dogs, people write messages on Hearts of Mercy, and a grieving town begins to heal—together.

Just days after the tragedy, nine LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams returned to Chatham. Their mission was simple yet profound: to BE THERE.

At the request of YNOT Outdoors and the Chatham School District, Comfort Dogs and their handlers visited Chatham Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School, and YNOT Day Camp. Each school bore the weight of collective grief, and each child carried a story of fear, confusion, and sorrow.

Alison, the daughter-in-law of the camp owner, reflected:
“The dogs were wonderful! Many kids and staff loved on them. You could see the nerves and hesitation on many of their faces, but they lit up when they saw the dogs.”

Comfort Dogs Esther, Jael, Jordan, Michael, Noah, Rachel, Tabby, Zion, and Kare-9 Britta (with Veteran Dale) sat beside the children, laid their heads in trembling laps, and silently communicated: “You are not alone.”

The first vigil saw young people weep openly, clinging to parents and teachers. A young girl who had witnessed the tragedy firsthand stood silently by the crosses, processing unspeakable pain. LCC team members gently offered presence and the assurance of God’s enduring love.

Bianca, a grieving mother, spoke through tears:
“My daughter was best friends with Rylee. They had plans to go to the University of Iowa together. Rylee’s mom will be so happy to receive the cross and heart.”

The second vigil took place at Glenwood High School’s football field, drawing hundreds. There, messages covered the Hearts of Mercy, and tears fell alongside flowers, candles, and stuffed animals. Students embraced tightly, whispering prayers, sharing memories, and holding space for each other’s grief.

In the aftermath of such sorrow, each Comfort Dog team carried home memories etched with emotion. When asked to describe the vigil in one word, here’s what they said:

• Presence – “Seeing the faces of people when they saw the dogs—it brought relief, encouragement. We repeated the words, ‘We are here for you,’ again and again. Isn’t that what Jesus says to us?” – Mary
• Peace – “Our ministry helped bring peace to this community just by showing up. Love is an action word. LCC loved well last night.” – Kami
• Comfort – “We saw grief release. A smile here, a hug there. The dogs helped bring that.” – Ruth
• With – “We were there with those hurting: with presence, prayer, comfort, and love.” – Roxy
• Precious – “It was a reminder of how precious life is—and how quickly it can change.” – Joyce
• Bind – “This community is binding together in grief. Our dogs helped strengthen those bonds.” – Sheryl
• Community – “Not just Chatham, but our LCC family and ministry partners, too. This was COMMUNITY in action.” – Lynn
• Togetherness – “This town came out in strength—not just for the lost, but the injured and the responders.” – Dan
• Responsive – “When we hear of need, we respond. A smile, a tear, a hand on the shoulder. It’s always worth it.” – Jim
  

These words echo the heartbeat of LCC’s mission: to bring the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering.

In the days following the vigils, signed Hearts of Mercy were delivered to first responders in Chatham. Each one bore words of gratitude and encouragement—visible reminders that their courage and compassion had not gone unnoticed.

Accompanied by Comfort Dogs, the visits offered brief moments of peace for the men and women who had witnessed the horror firsthand. One firefighter’s 18-year-old son, also on the scene that day, was visibly shaken. The ministry teams offered not just kind words, but connection, prayer, and presence.

“Just being there brought a smile, a tear, a moment of comfort,” said Chuck. “The response we kept hearing: ‘Thank you for coming. Thank you for being here.’”

The healing in Chatham has only just begun. As a community rebuilds its heart, you can be part of the continued support:

• Pray for the children, families, and first responders impacted by this tragedy.
• Give to support LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion as they continue to serve in Chatham and beyond.
• Share this story and video with your community to raise awareness of the healing power of presence.
• Invite LCC ministries to your congregation, school, or community to be equipped to respond when tragedy strikes.

Visit LutheranChurchCharities.org to learn more and join us in this mission of mercy.